AfriPulse
The United States President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday that it must reach a nuclear agreement within roughly 10 days or face consequences, as American military forces continue massing in the Middle East.
Trump told the first meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington that negotiations with Iran are proceeding, but Tehran needs to produce a “meaningful” deal.
“Otherwise bad things happen,” Trump said, repeating the threats he has made about attacking Iran.
Additionally, Trump referenced US airstrikes carried out in June, saying they “decimated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“We may have to take it a step further, or we may not. You’ll be finding out over the next probably 10 days,” Trump said.
Naija News reported that the United States has deployed aircraft carriers, warships and jets to the region, raising fears of another attack on Iran and pushing global oil prices higher.
Negotiations Amid Tension
Meanwhile, the Iranian and American negotiators met Tuesday in Geneva, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said both sides agreed on “guiding principles.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday the two sides remained apart on some key issues.
Trump maintained Thursday that “good talks are being had.” A senior US official said Iran would submit a written proposal addressing American concerns.
“They can’t have a nuclear weapon, it’s very simple. You can’t have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
The United States wants Iran to completely abandon uranium enrichment, give up long-range ballistic missiles, stop backing armed groups across the Middle East and stop using force against internal protesters.
Iran, however, has refused to discuss anything beyond its nuclear program, calling any limits on its missile arsenal a red line.
Warning of Escalated Tension
Responding to the United States Military buildup, Russia, which has been a long-time ally of Tehran, warned Thursday against an “unprecedented escalation of tension” around Iran and urged restraint as American military forces continue arriving in the region.
A Russian corvette warship joined planned Iranian naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday during an extended series of Iranian naval drills.
Meanwhile, because of the latest threat and military buildup around Iran in recent days, Poland became the latest European country on Thursday to tell its citizens to leave Iran immediately. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Poles may have only hours to evacuate.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28 to discuss Iran, a senior US official said.
Source: Naijanews.com | Read the Full Story…
